Blood Moon and Christopher Columbus: How the navigator tricked Jamaicans with a total lunar eclipse | Technology News

The Guardian article says that when Columbus was stranded on the shores of Jamaica in 1504, he learned about an upcoming total lunar eclipse on February 29, also known as the Blood Moon. He used this knowledge to intimidate the leaders of Jamaica that his powerful Christian god was displeased with how they had treated him. As a sign of this anger, he claimed, the moon would turn dark with a blood-red sky, the report mentions.

Columbus Day: Story of Christopher Columbus, why he is a controversial figure

While many initially dismissed his warning, they became terrified when the total lunar eclipse occurred. Columbus then rushed to his cabin, pretending to pray for divine intervention. When the eclipse ended, the people believed his story and not only provided all the supplies he needed but some even begged for forgiveness, the report notes. It is said that Columbus used a sandglass to measure the timing of the lunar eclipse, to make everything look believable.

A total lunar eclipse similar to the Blood Moon in 1504 will occur on March 13 and 14 this year, and it will be visible in select parts of the world but not in India, according to Space.com. This eclipse occurs 521 years after the one Columbus used to his advantage and follows an identical path with the same background stars, Space.com mentions.

An identical eclipse happens once every 223 “lunations,” or 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours — a cycle known as the Saros. The upcoming total lunar eclipse is part of the Saros 123 cycle. If you have the opportunity to witness it, take a moment to reflect on how Columbus, nearly 500 years ago, used a similar event to his benefit.